If you are a bit too fast-paced to look through this article, take a look at this graphic on the go so you can find your TOP Master League Pokémon, made by yours truly.

Top Master League Pokemon

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Introduction

Before delving into the deep end, I should first explain this tactic/technique and the purpose behind it. I can show you which are the “top” PVP Pokémon in Master League, but please note that this is only one way for you to prepare for PVP, and that there very well may be better or more advanced tactics than what is shown here.

That being said, if you are like me and are at a loss as to what Pokémon you should be trying to obtain for PVP battles, this is for you. Use this as a basis for future additions/changes you want to make later on.

The requirements are the following for this Master League analysis:

Typings – The Pokémon must have either a primary or secondary typing to the type category they are in regardless of their movesets (EXAMPLE: Venusaur can be considered both in the Grass types category, or the Poison Types category)

MAX CP – Since Master league has no CP limit, the Pokémon included are determined based on their MAX CP amount

Total Damage Output – The Pokémon will be determined based on the total damage output they can provide against a super effective counter before fainting

The calculation method was based on the use of multiple simulators and test, my basis of study was choosing a specific typing, then seeing the top counters of that typing vs the different types they are super effective against. Once doing this, I see which are the top 3 Pokémon of the type I am testing. Concluding this I compare the moves of each of these Pokémon based on how they perform against different Pokémon they are super effective against and choosr the overall most effective ones. These Pokémon were not chosen based on how they perform against all typings in general, but by how they perform against opponents they are super effective against. The purpose of this is for you to be able to use 3 unique typings in battle, and just based on their typing, you already know who they will be effective against. In comparison to generalist, which would be much more difficult to remember upon entering battle.

Example; I look at Bug types and see they are super effective against Dark, Grass, and Psychic type Pokémon, so I see which the top Bug type counters to each of these three typings individually, after comparing them I pick the top 3 that offered higher coverage against all three typings. After this, I will look at each top 3 Pokémon individually and see how their movesets vary against each of the three typings. Once again I take the moveset that offers the best all-around coverage against the three typings, and that’s how I find the Top 3 Master League Pokémon of each type.

Besides this, I will also be presenting what I believe to be the best Secondary Charged Move you can add to each of these PVP Pokémon, please note that the primary basis for what Charged Moves I selected are based on smaller energy cost. Considering PVP is a fast-paced game, fast-paced moves make for better use.

The Master League Analysis

The Master League is highest league available to participate in; in Pokémon GO. There are no CP limits as to what you can use, and is easily one of the more predictable leagues you can participate in considering that most Trainers tend to use the same counters, however, let’s see if that changes here.

Slaking – Use Play Rough for lower energy cost and for an unexpected attack against your opponent, pair with Earthquake for higher damage output and for an unexpected attack against your opponent

Note – Yes, I know Blissey is number one. Yes, I know it sucks. Unfortunately the Normal typing is already lacking, and based on PVP usefulness in the scenario I explained above, Blissey still takes the reigns. Don’t be the guy that uses a Blissey in PVP, please.

Water Type PVP Pokémon

Kyogre – Use Hydro Pump for higher damage output, pair with Thunder for lower energy cost and for an unexpected attack against your opponent

Gyarados – Use Hydro Pump for higher damage output, pair with Crunch for lower energy cost and for an unexpected attack against your opponent

Feraligatr – Use Hydro Pump for lower energy cost and higher damage output, pair with Crunch for average performance

Final Notes

With interest decaying in PVP and Trainers pretty much only playing for Sinnoh Stones and the occasional bragging rights, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Niantic making changes to it in the future. However, if type effectiveness stays the same, the list above will only grow in usefulness. Keep your eyes out for future articles where we cover more advanced PVP techniques, but in the mean-time this is more than plenty as a starter pack to get you on the top of PVP matches.

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